293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, 3150

0413 184 250 stuart.james@monash.vic.gov.au

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Monash Oakleigh Community Support do fabulous work to support our community. In these challenging times, this work is even more important than ever If you, or anyone you know, needs assistance please reach out to them. They’re located in Downing Street Oakleigh
One thing we’ve missed a lot since isolation began is eating out, it’s one of life’s simple pleasures. The other day I had a local resident recommend Alor Street in Huntingdale, a relatively new Malaysian Restaurant, so we decided to get some takeaway - yuuuuuum. There wasn’t much left over!
Nothing quite like having a warm bath, crawling in to your jammies and settling down to read a book in front of an open fire on a cold and wet Melbourne Autumn day 🛀 🔥 📚😍💕
Mega roads? Car parks? Buses? Airport Rail? MM2? Instead of piecemeal projects, it’s time for a comprehensive transport plan as required by the Transport Integration Act 2010 My transport article in the Herald Sun today. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/melbournes-public-transport-solutions-face-a-fork-in-the-road/news-story/9beabcbee8c86d6a3e9988afa144d706
Isolation family selfies 😍😍 (after the kids had finished eating chocolate 🙄)
Happy third birthday to my little angel 😇
‪A year ago today we lost a great Australian. Bob Hawke’s legacy speaks for itself, but in the midst of a global pandemic, we realise just how important some of these reforms were - particularly Medicare.‬
Pretty happy restrictions were lifted slightly, we were running out of wood for the open fire. Mum and Dad have brought down supplies from the farm. Phew!
As WW2 ended in 1945, with the country on the brink of bankruptcy, Britain poured money in to creating their universal health system (NHS) It will be interesting to see how our Federal Government will respond to this crisis Slash & burn, or invest in the future?
#ThisIsMonash in #Autumn 😍
I can definitely relate to this....
Day 10 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers #10albumsin10days
On this day, 8 years ago, we moved in to our new house and became engaged. How life has changed in those eight years. The wall behind us doesn’t even exist anymore, we’ve got two kids and I’m not only a Councillor, but the Mayor! So many great memories, and many more to come 😍
Isolation jigsaw complete!
Day 9 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers #10albumsin10days
Isobaking! Italian biscuits. Deeeeelicious and ridiculously easy to make - recipe below!
Day 8 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers #10albumsin10days
Daddy’s kitchen punching out another ripper 😋
‪Day 7 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers
In pre-Covid lockdown times, the Monash Writers Group launched their latest book - The Last Line. Each of the short stories begins with the last line of another book. An excellent bedside companion in these isolation times!
‪Day 6 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers.‬
Keep your brain active! Please no cheating. If you get it correct I’ll send you a private message and delete your comment so others can enjoy the fun 👏 good luck caterpillar 🐛 🍃
Day 5 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers.
‪Day 4 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers.‬
‪Day 3 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers.‬
‪Day 2 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste in music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers.‬
Five years ago today - I wasn’t even a Councillor back then - how time flies. I’m afraid that with isolation my weight might be back to 2015 levels soon 🤨😢
Day 1 of the 10 Albums that greatly influenced my taste of music & my life. No explanation or reviews just album covers.
Oxygenating the fire to help kick start it. Nothing nicer on a cold Autumn day that a roaring open fire. #StayHome
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them It’s a strange Anzac Day, but our thoughts are still very much with our heroes #lestweforget
On behalf of the City of Monash, I send my warmest regards to our residents observing Ramadan Ramadan is an incredibly important time of reflection and prayer for our Islamic community and we appreciate that this year will be very different, with community centres and mosques closed and a restriction on gatherings due to the COVID-19 crisis I have been privileged in the past to attend an Iftar, where people gather together to break their fast with a communal meal. It’s an incredible experience and I understand this year will see these celebrated at home within families, rather than the community, and maybe even on video conferencing to stay connected. The community adapts to these challenging times and we will be stronger than ever, together. My best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!
Today we’re seeing the amazing generosity of the community that surrounds us. Gifts for April from people we’ve never met. Redefines the saying “we’re all in this together”. Thank you, whoever you are 🥳😃
Happy 5th Birthday to my little princess, April. And thank you to all of our neighbours who have left special messages for her. It’s a tough time for all of us, but especially for young ones who simply don’t understand. She has been made to feel very special from all the love and support and is having a ball. So proud of the young person she has become - they grow up too quickly 😍
We love buying our pasta and cheeses at Just Italy next to the paint shop on Atherton Road. They also make sensational take-away coffee and they’re open for business during the crisis.
So April’s fifth birthday is on Thursday and she’s absolutely shattered that she’s had to cancel her party on the weekend that she’s been talking about for the best part of a year. She’s stuck these invitations up all over our house. These are the moments in life that as a father break you because you have no control over them. Any suggestions on how to make her isolation birthday special, or videos of well wishes to her would be greatly appreciated.
We miss going to cafes for a late brunch, so this morning we visited Dad’s kitchen table. Bacon, Eggs, Hash Browns and lots of pepper. Yuuuuuuuuuuum
A traditional Easter Sunday treat; Daddy’s homemade pancakes. Happy Easter to all of you and your families. This is an Easter like never before. Given we’re all staying home, what are your traditions?
If you’re thinking about ordering Oakleigh Fish 'N Chippery for dinner, there might be a little bit of a wait 😳
Early last year, as part of the Council plan, we prioritised pedestrians at Eaton Mall by changing the traffic lights so they are red for cars by default and green for pedestrians. Some hoons decided that it would be a good idea to drag off when the lights turned green, so this week Council installed new road cushions to assist with safety. You probably won’t notice this for a while, because you’re all staying home, but it’s an important change to ensure that Eaton Mall is pedestrian safety focused!
Zoe absolutely loves books, more than anything else. We’ve done the Little Miss set and last night we finished the Mr Men set. So tonight, Zoe got to choose her favourite - Mr Tickle. I think it’s because I give her a big tickle every time his name comes up 🤣 And how cute are those feet?? 😍
‪In an effort to meet the City of Monash carbon neutrality target, we’ve started introducing fully electric vehicles to our fleet. ‬ ‪This week I was excited to test out the newest addition, a 100% electric Hyundai Australia Kona. A joy to drive and surprisingly powerful.‬ It even tells me where the closest charging station is. More importantly, how good is my taste in music? 🙃
Four year-old home learning 😍
Flashback Friday! The Mayoral fraternity is pretty close, and in simpler times it was great to catch up with my counterpart from the Stonnington City Council, Mayor Cr Steve Stefanopoulos, This is a troubling time, but I know that all Councils are working hard to ensure that essential services continue. There is a lot that we can do assist, and be assisted by, neighbouring Councils We’re all in this together and together we’ll come out the other side smarter and wiser than before Stay safe and stay home!!
Sunday roasts are back in vogue!! 😋 (Photos taken 10 seconds apart. One has a bigger appetite 😉🙃)
This is why everyone needs to take social distancing seriously. We all have a role to play in protecting our fellow residents. Those who are treating this as a big beat-up need to stop before people die.
Despite what is happening around us, the institution of Government must go on, and is arguably even more important than ever. Surreal scenes in our chambers tonight with Councillors spread out and our Executive team relocated in to the public gallery. I’ve been quiet lately because there has been a lot going on, but rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our staff and residents while maintaining critical services to our community. Now more than ever we all need to look after each other. I had the tough conversation with my (almost) five year old today about cancelling the birthday party she’s been looking forward to for almost twelve months. We’ve also informed our parents to stay away. This is the toughest situation I’ve ever faced in my lifetime but I am confident we will all get through it together. Stay safe!
We had booked a night away on the Peninsula last night as we had a wedding to go to. Unfortunately it was cancelled, but despite Airbnb offering full refunds we opted to support local business in these tough times. The sleep in without kids was a bonus too! Breakfast at Pelikan Société in Hastings this morning; Delicious food and a great view #SupportLocal
Stay home. Distance yourself. Protect the vulnerable. Think about others. Please.
A backstage peak of our live City of Monash webcast event with Clare Bowditch for #MonashIDW2020 #thisismonash Tune in here: http://webcast.monash.vic.gov.au/livestreamevents.php
In troubled times you need moments that lighten your mood and bring a genuine smile to your face. This was it for me this morning 😍
It is with great disappointment that I advise that the City of Monash has made the tough decision to cancel next weekends Live At Warrawee event. This is one of my favourite events of the year and I know that there are many in our community who will also be disappointed. However, given the current situation with the Corona virus, it is the right thing to do - it’s simply not worth the risk. The situation is changing on an hourly basis and we will keep residents informed with the most up-to-date information via our website. Please look after one another and stay safe!
It’s a little outside Monash, but Donna, the kids and I love heading down to the new McKinnon Reserve and popping in for a delicious ice cream at Dolce House Gelato We’re a big fan of the salted caramel (although they haven’t had any for a while) and mango flavours 😋
Great to host Whitehorse City Council Mayor, Sharon Ellis, for lunch in Glen Waverley recently. Awesome food and great company!
Awesome evening last week at Mercedes-Benz Waverley for the season launch for Mazenod Football Club & Mazenod Panthers All Ability Football Club. I’ve posted before about the amazing work the club does with an all abilities team (the only one in Monash). Very proud that the City of Monash last year resolved to waive ground fees for all abilities teams! With Matt Fregon MP, Cr Robert Davies & Cr Saloumi
Attitudes matter! Happy International Women’s Day to all the women out there, and specifically to the four women who make up my immediate family. Although we’ve still got a bucketload more work to do (and I‘ll continue the fight), I’m proud that my kids will grow up in a world that will allow them to achieve their full potential!
Excited to launch the City of Monash Cricket Forum as part of our commitment to develop strategic sporting plans for Tennis, Soccer, Cricket and Aussie Rules. Terrific turnout to see a presentation on the status of Cricket around the country, along with analysis of trends, and the state of our local facilities We went through a similar process with Tennis and Soccers clubs last year with outstanding success. Membership in one club more than tripled as a result - wow We’ll launching our AFL Forum later in the year!
People aren’t as clever as they think. All the paper products might be out of stock at Coles and Woolworths, but plenty available at CTC in Oakleigh Central (well, there was) 🤣😂
Not a spare seat in the house at 9pm on a Wednesday at Dragon Hot Pot in Glen Waverley. I’m a regular here as it’s only two doors down from Council with sensational food with a heap of hot spice 😋
Water and sugar. What more could you need? 🤔
On my right is Rolly. He’s been keeping stats at the club since 1949. Every single run, every single wicket, every single milestone. There’s literally hundreds of folders. An amazing story of a life of dedication to a local sporting club. Absolutely in awe; what an inspiration. Big thanks to the Oakleigh Cricket Club for having me down for dinner after training, and good luck in the finals!
Welcome to the 400 new Aussie’s who took the pledge to commit themselves to our country. An amazing night as it always is!
Cracking weather for the annual Cerebral Palsy Education Centre fundraising golf day. A brilliant day to be carried through a round of gold by Cr Robert Davies, Cr Shane McCluskey and Mulgrave FC President Scott Davidson. Heaps of fun!
The Dahlia Society of Victoria, annual show is on this weekend at the Mount Waverley Community Centre and they’re celebrating their 60th birthday and 27th year at the centre. I was amazed at the different varieties on show; I never knew so many existed. Pop on down today or tomorrow afternoon. Entry is only $5 for adults and they’re also serving Devonshire tea 😍
Last week I was joined by Cr Shane McCluskey on a visit to the local Girl Guides who are raising money for the Monash Children’s Hospital. I was a sea scout many moons ago now and understand the invaluable friendships that are formed at groups such as these. I’m still amazed at just how many community groups we have around this fabulous city.
In a coup for #Oakleigh, the first VCAT hearing rooms outside the CBD opened recently. It was fantastic to join Attorney General Jill Hennessy MP for the official opening. I’m tipping they’ll be a bit of fierce competition amongst members to be in the room with fabulous views of Warrawee Park
BREAKING NEWS: The City of Monash is heading for net carbon neutrality by 2025 On the back of a motion I moved last September, Council last night considered a comprehensive report in to dealing with a whole range of issues including reducing corporate emissions, use of recycled content in roads and replacement of key assets with clean energy. And we’re doing it all with a net cost benefit to ratepayers! This is one of the proudest moments of my time on Council and it was great to have the support of the overwhelming majority of my colleagues to implement such a massive change in direction The amendment that I moved last night is in the comments below.
This is the Notting Hill Hotel on a Wednesday evening Trivia night - packed. When I was a uni student at Monash this was a popular hangout An amazing beer garden, a sensational steak house and a warm indoor wood fire. There’s not much more you could ask for in a local What makes this place so special today is that they are fiercely anti-pokies 😍 Visiting “The Nott” is a reminder of what a good local pub was before this scourge on society infiltrated pubs around the state Pretty damn proud to have such a great local pub in my ward!
What a night! Tally Ho Fitness Group started out in 1970 as a group of young men seeking fitness in an era when fitness wasn’t really a thing. They have met, rain hail or shine, at 7am every Saturday morning for the last 50 years, even meeting on Christmas Day when it’s fallen on a Saturday It was an honour to join them recently to celebrate this amazing achievement. I’m pictured bottom left with one of the 9 remaining members, Ted, who has been there since the beginning. They spoke passionately about the friendship and camaraderie that has kept them coming back week in, week out They only meet for 90 minutes, so if you’re keen to be part of them look the group up at tallyho.org.au
Where’s else would you want to be on a 30 degree day other than at the Clayton Festival - on until 6pm - come on down!
Touché!
Crystal Poultry in Oakleigh Central - an amazing array of delicious poultry. Our family are big fans of chicken and their mango fillets are just sensational. You can’t go wrong! #SupportLocal
This is Piterson, and the story is funny. Piterson is my personal trainer and for more than a year he’s been talking to me nearly every time I’ve seen him about his citizenship process as he moved through the system. In all the time I’ve known him, despite my job changing and having to reschedule appointments, he’s never once asked what it is I do. He had no idea I was the Mayor of Monash. You should have seen his face on Monday night when I walked out at the citizenship ceremony in my robes to present him with his Australian Citizenship. These moments are always special for me. It’s an absolute highlight of my job to see the joy on people’s faces when they’re presented with their Citizenship. It’s one of the greatest days of their lives and it’s an honour to be part of it. For me, this one was extra special. Congratulations to Piterson and all the other people who committed themselves to becoming an Aussie!
Great to catch up with Mayor of Whitehorse, Sharon Ellis, Councillor Ben Stennett and Paul Hamer MP for dinner at Dumpling King in Box Hill. Their traders are doing it tough as well. Delicious food, great wine and amazing company #SupportLocal
We popped in to the brand new sensory playspace at Wellesley Reserve in Glen Waverley on the weekend. The girls had an absolute ball but it left them a bit tired and ratty for the rest of the day. Wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to visit in the afternoon! https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/About-Us/News/Sensory-playspace-at-Wellesley-Reserve-now-open
This weeks municipality cafe tour took me to SHINE CAFE in Hamilton Place Mt Waverley. I was pretty happy that Zoe didn’t want to eat the strawberries that came with her pancakes. Yuuuum
An incredible honour to be invited to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Emperor with the Consul General of Japan. The drumming performance was phenomenal - I’ve posted up a video on my Instagram page (@crstuartjames) - check it out! https://www.instagram.com/tv/B8i0OjogqXE/?igshid=aiztaxhovj9p
Excited to launch Stage 2 of the $3.583 million Caloola Reserve redevelopment which includes a brand new pavilion. Last year Stage 1 was completed with the opening of 8 brand new synthetic grass tennis courts Just next door, the City of Monash is spending $25 million on a redevelopment of the Oakleigh Recreation Centre which will have a brand new gymnastic stadium and basketball/netball courts The area will become the sport mecca of Monash and the envy of people across Melbourne Oakleigh Tennis Club Monash City FC East Oakleigh Cricket Club Oakleigh Cricket Club
It was a privilege to be invited to lunch at the House of Delight in Glen Waverley today by Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos MP, to show support for City of Monash businesses and the Chinese community, who are having a tough time at the moment due to the impacts of the #coronavirus I was pleased that MPs from across the region also came to show their support; Matt Fregon MP, Steve Dimopoulos MP, Meng Heang Tak MP, Sonja Terpstra MP and Paul Hamer MP
This is what a MTF Executive meeting looks like. I love the flexibility of #LocalGovernment. And April loves the chance to catch Trains, Trams & Buses (naturally we travelled on all three modes). A Transport nerd like her daddy 😍🚂 🚃 🚌 😍
Great to join Cr Rebecca Paterson and Cr Shane McCluskey for a drink at Mocha Jo's after a meeting last night. Our businesses in Glen Waverley have been suffering of late but it was terrific to see the car parks full and the strip thriving - we were lucky to even find a seat!
My kids just love straws, but I absolutely hate them using the plastic ones that seem to be commonplace. Really excited to get home today and find that my Lujo Home reusable straws have arrived! Rubber and foldable with a neat little carry case 😍 Thanks for the recommendation Cr Rebecca Paterson! (Link in comments)
My baby girl started kinder this week. They grow up way too fast 😢
Sensational day last weekend in beautiful sunshine to bring people together. This was the second iteration of the new City of Monash “Meet Your Street” program aimed at introducing neighbours to each other We had a coffee cart, games to teach people how to recycle different items, face painting, drawing, muffins and most importantly great local residents wanting to be part of their neighbourhood. We even had two neighbours who live back to back but had never met 😮 Interested in having one in your area? Visit here for more information: https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Council/Our-Organisation/Advocacy/Meet-Your-Street-campaign
This morning I ventured outside my ward and visited Hyde n seek cafe for breakfast, a favourite of Cr Rebecca Paterson. Deeeeeelicious!
Spotted in Clayton tonight while letterboxing. Stunning. And at least 25 years old. This is exactly why, in June last year, Council resolved to introduce mandatory controls on tree removals. Unless a tree is within 3m of a house (or 2m in Oakleigh or Hughesdale), it can't be removed without a permit. No more moonscaping. No more destruction of our tree canopy. You can read more here, Item 1.2 - https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Council/Agendas-Minutes/25-June-2019#agenda
I’ve been going to Just Cuts for Men at Oakleigh Central for a while now. Friendly staff and great haircuts at a reasonable price. If I only had a little more hair to style 🤔 Oh, and I’ve discovered April isn’t such a bad photographer 😃
Great afternoon with Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale celebrating Australia Day at the South Oakleigh Bowling Club. We even had our own yakitori barbecue for cooking sensational shish kebabs; a little twist to add to the traditional barbie. Awesome people doing awesome work!
Fabulous morning welcoming our newest Australian citizens to the City of Monash and joining in the Australia Day festivities. Big fan of the Kangaroo sausages! Wherever you are and whatever you’re choosing to do today, happy Australia Day!
See you down there!
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